The new Lego Mindstorms EV3 is already expected to be one of the top toys for Christmas 2013. To much fanfare, Lego finally unveiled LEGO Mindstorms EV3 at CES. Many show goers are already declaring it to be one of the hottest toys of the year. The Lego Mindstorms buildable robotic kits allow kids to program and build their own robots. The product reflects 3 years of product development from the LEGO group. The new set will be available in the Summer of 2013 and will retail for $349.99.  A number of people had a chance to go hands on with the new set from LEGO. All of the designs are engineered with a great attention to detail for both casual and advanced audiences.

It’s been about 15 years since the original Mindstorms hit the market.  Many people think it was the world’s first smart toy. A lot has changed since then. Kids are becoming more and more tech savvy. LEGO wanted to expand the reach of the product by making it simple enough for younger users while at the same time making it advanced and powerful enough for the diehard enthusiast.

Mindstorms are now powered by the EV3 Intelligent Brick. It sports a faster processor with more memory. This time around you don't even need a computer to program basic routines as basic commands can be programmed using the brick itself. Advanced users can also use a computer for more complex programs.

It also comes with new sensors. The new sensors give the robots an even greater sense of personality.  So far we have seen an infrared sensor and color sensor.  The color sensor is extremely cool because it allows the robot to see color which makes for some interesting things you can program. For example, you could theoretically program the robot toy to stop when it sees the color red.  When it sees green, it could be programmed to move again.

LEGO has obviously updated the line to take advantage of current technology. More and more kids are growing up with mobile devices. Builders can use their smart devices to control their creations. It works with both iOS and Android devices.

When it launches, there are going to be building instructions for 17 different robots. Our favorite robot is called "Reptar." The Reptar is a robotic snake the slithers on the ground with its wheels. The coolest part is that it can snap at your hand thanks to the infrared sensor that can see your hand. It can be controlled with your iPhone or other smart device. There is also a Tracker robot that can follow a given path on the ground. There are a number of different tools that can be attached to the robot like a working hammer.

If you have got an iPad, Lego has designed an app with the help of Autodesk that allows 3D step by step instructions. So cool. It makes it easier than ever to build even these complicated robots. LEGO is always at the forefront of technology and they are always trying to use new technology to help children explore their creativity. We can't wait to see what young builders do with this new Mindstorms set for 2013.

Do you think Lego Mindstorms has a shot at being one of the top toys for Christmas 2013?

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Haba debuted its hot toys for Christmas 2013 at Toy Fair. We know Haba for its high quality line of wooden toys. Haba was also showing off its sand toys and eye catching wooden toys. They had a ton of wooden toys but the company was mainly buzzing because it will be distributing Gotz dolls. For little ones there were the Lilliputiens.

Gotz

Both Gotz and Haba originated in Germany. Haba is known for their wooden toys and Gotz has been known for its soft doll collection. This year the companies are joining together. Haba is now re releasing the Gotz line of dolls in the United States. The Gotz line of dolls is widely considered to be one of the highest quality vinyl dolls on the market. This year the line has grown considerably with the Muffin, Aquini, and Precious Day lines.

One of the things that make the doll unique is that the hair is very realistic. The hair is manufactured in Germany and sewed into the scalp of the doll tightly. You can shampoo it, blow dry it, or use a flat iron on it. You can even throw them in the washing machine. The most popular line is the Muffin line which come with clothing. The Muffin line displays the excellent sculpting. It is available in different sizes include 16.5”, 13”, and 8. The line has a ton of accessories that the dolls can go in such as strollers and bouncers. There is even a line of clothing.

The dolls in the Aquini line can actually be used in the water. For example, with some toys you can feed them water with their bottle and they will actually wet their diaper.  They can also be used at bath time. They have a unique body that allows them to drain quickly so they don’t grow mold.

Haba Sun Bistro

Haba has a lot of food play toys that can be used in the sand. With the toys in the Sun Bistro line, kids can pretend to make fried eggs and other food items out of sand. It contains molds to make the eggs. With the egg cup, kids can make boiled eggs out of sand. Kids can use the cutlery to play with the sand. If they prefer pizza, they can also make that. Kids can also make hot dogs with sand. If you prefer vehicles, there are also a number of trucks that you can fill with water or scoop up sand with.

Lilliputiens

Now a full world of wonder awaits you with the Lilliputiens. These dolls originated in Belgium and Haba is distributing them in the United States. It was created by 5 Belgian mothers. They are designed for little ones. Each toy has its own story. The line includes everything from rattles to puppets. All of the fabrics are sew by hand. The colors and fabrics are designed to stimulate a baby's senses. The fabric on them is texturized. We love Simon the hedgehog who can actually convert into an owl.

What toys from Haba made your hot toys for Christmas 2013 list? Let us know.

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